The Division of Bariatric Surgery provides an integrated method for addressing extreme or morbid obesity by providing education, surgical options, and follow-up procedures including support groups.

Recent research indicates that bariatric surgery is now considered one of the most effective means for long-term weight management. In an effort to assist patients who suffer from morbid obesity, James N. Lau, M.D., F.A.C.S., leads the only academic surgical weight loss program in the Silver State. His new Division of Bariatric Surgery, which is part of the University Health System, the clinical practice for the University of Nevada School of Medicine, is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A unique partnership between the University of Nevada School of Medicine and the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) was created to support this academic-medical center model. Because surgical residents receive their clinical training at UMC, it was a logical decision to place the University Weight Loss Center at this hospital.

Surgical weight loss patients have access not only to highly trained bariatric surgeons, but also a consistent team of healthcare professionals including a bariatric nurse coordinator, a psychologist, registered dieticians, physical therapists, and consulting physicians provide comprehensive integrated patient care.